Pepper Jack Tomato Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Crispy, melty sandwiches featuring spicy pepper jack and fresh tomato on jalapeño-studded bread.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Bread

01 - 4 slices jalapeño bread

→ Cheese

02 - 4 slices pepper jack cheese

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 medium ripe tomato, thinly sliced

→ Spreads & Fats

04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

→ Seasonings

05 - Pinch of salt
06 - Freshly ground black pepper

# How To Make It:

01 - Place bread slices on a clean cutting board. Generously butter one side of each slice using a butter knife or offset spatula.
02 - Lay two bread slices butter-side down. Arrange 2 pepper jack cheese slices on each, followed by half the tomato slices. Season tomatoes with salt and pepper to taste. Top with remaining bread slices, butter-side facing up.
03 - Heat a large nonstick skillet or electric griddle over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until hot but not smoking.
04 - Carefully transfer sandwiches to the preheated pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side, pressing gently with a spatula to ensure even contact with the cooking surface.
05 - Flip sandwiches carefully with a wide spatula. Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until bread turns golden brown and cheese is completely melted. Remove from heat.
06 - Let sandwiches rest on a cutting board for 1 minute to allow cheese to set. Slice each sandwich diagonally in half and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The combination of spicy pepper jack and sweet tomato creates this perfect balance that feels way more sophisticated than your average lunch
  • Jalapeño bread turns an ordinary comfort food into something that makes your taste buds sit up and pay attention
  • Ready in under 15 minutes which means you can have a gourmet meal even on the most chaotic weeknights
02 -
  • Medium heat is your friend here, high heat burns the bread before the cheese has time to melt into that gooey perfection we want
  • Thin tomato slices are non negotiable, thick ones release too much water and make the bread soggy
  • That one minute rest period seems pointless but it is actually the secret to clean slices instead of a cheesy mess all over your cutting board
03 -
  • Mayonnaise can be swapped for half the butter if you want an even crispier exterior and a slightly tangy finish
  • A brick or heavy pan pressed on top while the first side cooks creates restaurant style even melting
  • Leftovers can be wrapped in foil and reheated in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes, though they are best enjoyed fresh
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